Questions For Interviewing Candidates For Baptism

As used and developed by Brother Marcus Heaster in his preaching work world-wide

NOTES ON INTERVIEWING A CANDIDATE FOR BAPTISM

The purpose of the interview is to satisfy the brethren that the candidate fully understands what he/she is undertaking and has sufficient knowledge and appreciation of the Truth to make baptism valid.

Allowance must be made for differing abilities of individuals but a clear understanding of the basic doctrines is vital before baptism. The interviewing brethren should be certain in their own minds that the candidate has a clear understanding of those doctrines where we differ from other churches.

The conduct of the interview is a very serious matter and ideally should be carried out by two brethren. One brother should conduct the interview and the other brother should act as a witness.

The witnessing brother can often assist with an alternative approach to a question when the candidate does not appear to understand the original question and he can probably put the question another way. He should feel able to contribute to the questioning or ask further questions at the end to cover topics more thoroughly if he feels that a subject should be enlarged upon.

Interviews should always be conducted on an individual candidate basis and never on a group basis. This is to ensure that the mind of each candidate can be fully determined as far as possible. On all matters of basic first principles, the candidate should be asked to quote at least one verse from the Bible to support the answer.

The list of questions to be covered at an interview is provided as an aid to ensure that all areas are fully covered. If the candidate does not appear to understand a question or to give a satisfactory answer, then try and ask the question another way or come back to it at a later stage of the interview. The very nature of the Truth means that a topic is often returned to later on and can be covered again.

The questions are set out in a logical sequence. After establishing the candidate’s desire to be baptised the questions follow a chronological order through the Bible and conclude with matters of personal conduct. In addition there are notes on other Christadelphian fellowships at the end of the section on personal conduct.

You may find that when a candidate responds to your question, the answer may overlap with your next topic. Encourage all candidates to talk with you as much as possible. This will require a flexible approach throughout the interview but will help to identify the candidate’s attitude, knowledge and depth of understanding. When a question only requires a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer, then, if possible, ask the candidate either to give a reason for the reply or quote a verse in support of it.

An opportunity should be provided for the candidate to ask questions throughout the interview, particularly at the end.

The two interviewing brethren must be agreed together that the candidate is ready for baptism at the conclusion of the interview and if there is any doubt the candidate should be further instructed.

The candidate should be informed of the procedure at the baptismal service and a record made of the candidate’s personal details for the future ecclesial records.

BAPTISM

1.1. Q Why do you want to be baptised?

1.2. Q What makes a person responsible to God?

1.3. Q Is baptism essential for salvation?

Q Can you quote me a verse to prove this?

1.4. Q Is infant sprinkling the same as scriptural baptism?

Q Why not?

1.5. Q What is the spiritual significance of baptism?

THE BIBLE

2.1. Q Do you believe the Bible is the wholly inspired and infallible Word of God?

Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

2.2. Q What do you understand by inspiration?

Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

2.3. Q Does the Bible contain any error?

2.4. Q Is it the only guide to salvation?

2.5. Q How many books does the Bible contain?

2.6. Q What were the original languages in which the Bible was written?

GOD

3.1. Q What do you believe about God?

3.2. Q Has he always existed and will he always exist?

3.3. Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

3.4. Q Did God create all things?

3.5. Q Is God a Unity?

3.6. Q Can you quote a verse to prove this?

3.7. Q Is the Trinity a Bible doctrine?

3.8. Q Where does God dwell?

3.9. Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

3.10. Q What do you know about God’s character or attributes?

4. THE ANGELS

4.1. Q Who are the angels?

4.2. Q What is their work?

4.3. Q Can you quote a verse to prove this?

5. THE SPIRIT

5.1. Q What is the “spirit” of God?

5.2. Q Can you quote a verse to prove this?

5.3. Q What is the Holy Spirit?

5.4. Q Can you name three people who possessed the Holy Spirit?

5.5. Q What did possession of the Holy Spirit enable people to do?

5.6. Q Is the Holy Spirit possessed today?

6, THE CREATION

6.1. Q When did the Creation as recorded in Gen. 1 take place?

6.2. Q How long did it take?

6.3. Q What was the first act of creation?

6.4. Q What was created on the 6th day?

6.5. Q In Gen. 2 v 7 we are told that man became a “living soul”. What does this mean?

6.6. Q How was woman created?

6.7. Q What happened on the 7th day?

6.8. Q What was man’s condition before the fall?

6.9. Q Can a Christian believe in the theory of evolution?

7. THE FALL

7.1. Q What was the test of obedience given to Adam and Eve?

7.2. Q What would be the consequence if they disobeyed?

7.3. Q What was the serpent?

7.4. Q What was the role of the serpent?

7.5. Q What did Eve do after this?

7.6. Q What was the punishment pronounced upon:

1) The serpent 2) Eve 3) Adam?

7.7. Q What happens at death?

7.8. Q Can you give quotations to prove this?

7.9. Q What was the significance of the coats of skins with which God clothed Adam and Eve?

7.10 Q Explain the meaning of Genesis 3 v 15

7.11 Q What is the Bible hope of a future life?

7.12 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

7.13 Q Why was Abel’s sacrifice accepted and Cain’s rejected?

7.14 Q What is the “Hell” of the Bible?

8. THE DEVIL & SATAN

8.1 Q What is the meaning of the word Devil?

8.2 Q Is the devil (a) an inhuman monster? (b) a fallen angel?

8.3 Q What is the devil?

8.4 Q Can you give me references to prove this?

8.5 Q What does the word “Satan” mean?

8.6 Q Can it be good as well as bad?

8.7 Q When we read of Christ “casting out devils”, what does it mean?

8.8 Q Can a Christian have anything to do with witchcraft?

9. NOAH

9.1 Q Why was the flood brought upon the world?

9.2 Q How long did the flood last?

9.3 Q Who was saved?

9.4 Q How were they saved?

9.5 Q Apart from Noah and his family, what else entered the ark?

9.6 Q What was the covenant made with Noah and how was it confirmed?

9.7 Q What happened at Babel?

10. ABRAHAM

10.1 Q Where did Abraham originally live?

10.2 Q What did God command him to do

10.3 Q What was the name of that land?

10.4 Q What promises did God make to Abraham?

10.5 Q Who is the “seed” (singular) of Abraham?

10.6 Q Was the Gospel preached to Abraham?

10.7 Q When will the promises be fulfilled?

10.8 Q As Abraham is dead, how can he receive the fulfilment of the promise?

10.9 Q How can Gentiles be associated with these promises?

11. ISAAC, JACOB AND JOSEPH

11.1 Q To whom were the promises to Abraham repeated?

11.2 Q How many sons did Jacob have? Name 6.

11.3 Q Who was Jacob’s favourite son?

11.4 Q Why did his brothers hate him?

11.5 Q What did they do to him?

11.6 Q What happened to him there?

11.7 Q How was Joseph re-united with his family?

12. MOSES

12.1 Q What happened to the children of Israel after Joseph’s death?

12.2 Q What was to be done to all the male children born?

12.3 Q How was Moses saved?

12.4 Q What happened then?

12.5 Q Why did Moses have to flee to Midian?

12.6 Q What happened after 40 years in Midian?

12.7 Q How many plagues came upon Egypt? Name four of them.

12.8 Q What was the last plague?

12.9 Q What were Israel commanded to do?

12.10 Q What was the feast they had to keep?

12.11 Q What did the Passover signify?

12.12 Q How were the people delivered from Pharaoh’s pursuing army?

12.13 Q Where was the Law of Moses given?

12.14 Q What was the purpose of the Law?

12.15 Q What did the Law point forward to?

12.16 Q Does it have to be kept today?

12.17 Q Why did Israel have to wander 40 years in the wilderness?

12.18 Q How were they provided with food and drink in the wilderness?

12.19 Q Why was Moses not allowed to enter the promised land?

13. JOSHUA & JUDGES

13.1 Q Who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the land?

13.2 Q What was the first town conquered?

13.3 Q Who was saved from Jericho, and why?

13.4 Q After Joshua, how were they first ruled?

13.5 Q Can you name three of them?

13.6 Q Who was the last Judge?

13.7 Q What request did the people make to Samuel?

13.8 Q Why was God displeased?

14. SAUL

14.1 Q Who was chosen the first king of Israel?

14.2 Q Was he a good king?

14.3 Q Describe one occasion when he disobeyed.

14.4 Q What was the lesson from this?

15. DAVID

15.1 Q Who succeeded Saul as king?

15.2 Q Was he a good king?

15.3 Q Whose son was he? Of what tribe?

15.4 Q Why was Saul jealous of David?

15.5 Q What was the result?

15.6 Q How long did David reign?

15.7 Q What city did David make his capital?

15.8 Q What great promise did God make to David?

15.9 Q Who is this son promised to David?

15.10 Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

15.11 Q When will the promise to David be completely fulfilled?

15.12 Q What part of the Bible did David write?

16. SOLOMON & THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM

16.1 Q Who succeeded David as king?

16.2 Q Who was his mother?

16.3 Q What request did God grant Solomon?

16.4 Q What books of the Bible did Solomon write?

16.5 Q What did Solomon build?

16.6 Q What happened toward the end of his reign?

16.7 Q What is the lesson for us in this?

16.8 Q How long did he reign?

16.9 Q What request did God grant Solomon?

16.10 Q What happened at the beginning of Rehoboam’s reign?

16.11 Q Did he concede to their request?

16.12 Q What happened as a result?

17. THE HISTORY OF THE TWO KINGDOMS

17.1 Q Was Jeroboam a good king?

17.2 Q Were there any good kings of Israel?

17.3 Q Can you name three of the kings?

17.4 Q Who was the last king of Israel?

17.5 Q What happened in his reign?

17.6 Q Did Judah have any good kings?

17.7 Q Can you name three of them?

17.8 Q Who was the last king of Judah?

17.9 Q Can you recall the message concerning him given by Ezekiel?

17.10 Q Who is referred to in the words “whose right it is” in this passage?

17.11 Q What happened in Zedekiah’s reign?

17.12 Q What was the work of the prophets?

17.13 Q Can you name three of the prophets?

17.14 Q Can you name the prophet who was taken captive into Babylon and who was in the

court of the king?

17.15 Q What was the name of the king of Babylon?

17.16 Q What dream did Nebuchadnezzar have?

17.7. Q What was the interpretation of the dream given through Daniel?

17.18 Q How long was Judah in captivity in Babylon?

17.19 Q What was the name of the Persian king who made an edict allowing them to return to

their land?

17.20 Q Who were the two men mainly responsible for the partial restoration?

17.21 Q Was there ever a kingdom again?

17.22 Q Who ruled over them in the days of Christ?

17.23 Q When were they finally dispersed and scattered throughout the world?

18. THE NEW TESTAMENT – JESUS CHRIST

18.1 Q Where was Christ born?

18.2 Q Which O.T. verse refers to this?

18.3 Q How was Christ conceived and born?

18.4 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

18.5 Q Who was Christ’s father?

18.6 Q What was the work of John the Baptist?

18.7 Q Was Christ the second person of the Trinity?

18.8 Q Did he claim equality with God?

18.9 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

18.10 Q Was he completely dependent on God?

18.11 Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

18.12 Q Did Christ pre-exist before his birth?

18.13 Q What was the nature of Christ during his life on earth?

18.14 Q Was he tempted just as we are?

18.15 Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

18.16 Q Did Christ ever sin?

18.17 Q Can you give a verse to prove this?

18.18 Q Who baptised Jesus?

18.19 Q What happened at his baptism?

18.20 Q How old was Jesus when he commenced his ministry?

18.21 Q How long did his ministry last?

18.22 Q What did he preach?

18.23 Q Can you relate one of his parables?

18.24 Q Can you describe one of his miracles?

18.25 Q How many Apostles did he appoint?

18.26 Q Can you name some?

18.27 Q What did Jesus do when he met with his disciples to keep the Passover before his

death?

18.28 Q Is it necessary for us to keep this today?

18.29 Q How frequently was it kept in the 1st Century?

19. THE DEATH OF CHRIST

19.1 Q Why did Christ have to die?

19.2 Q What did his death accomplish?

19.3 Q What is the Old Covenant?

19.4 Q What is the New Covenant?

19.5 Q Did Christ die as a substitute?

20. THE RESURRECTION & ASCENSION

20.1 Q How long was Christ in the tomb?

20.2 Q On what day was he raised?

20.3 Q Who raised Christ from the dead?

20.4 Q Why could the grave not hold him?

20.5Q What was his nature when he first emerged from the tomb?

20.6 Q To whom did Jesus first appear after his resurrection?

20.7 Q How long was it between his resurrection and ascension?

20.8 Q What did he command his disciples to do?

20.9 Q Did he go bodily into heaven?

20.10 Q What was the angels message to them?

21. THE MEDIATORSHIP OF CHRIST

21.1 Q What is Christ’s position now?

21.2 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

21.3 Q After what priestly “order” is Christ a High Priest?

21.4 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

21.5 Q How can we obtain forgiveness?

22. THE APOSTLES & THE FIRST CENTURY

22.1 Q What happened on the day of Pentecost?

22.2 Q What did this enable them to do?

22.3 Q Is the Holy Spirit possessed today?

22.4 Q To whom was the gospel first preached?

22.5 Q Who was the first Gentile to be converted?

22.6 Q What vision did Peter receive in this connection?

22.7 Q Who was mainly responsible for preaching to the Gentiles?

22.8 Q Can you give me briefly the details of Paul’s conversion?

22.9 Q How many “missionary” journeys did Paul make after his conversion?

22.10 Q Can you name any of his letters?

22.11 Q What was the purpose of his letters?

23. THE RETURN OF CHRIST

23.1 Q Will Christ literally return?

23.2 Q What will his first work be?

23.3 Q Who will be raised?

23.4 Q In what state will they be raised

23.5 Q What will happen then after the resurrection has taken place?

23.6 Q What will be the reward of the righteous?

23.7 Q What will be the punishment of the wicked?

23.8 Q What will happen after the judgement?

24. THE KINGDOM OF GOD

24.1 Q How long will the reign of Christ last in its initial state?

24.2 Q What city will be the capital of the Kingdom of God?

24.3 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

24.4 Q What position will Israel have in the Kingdom of God?

24.5 Q Who will rule with Christ in the Kingdom?

24.6 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

24.7 Q What sort of worship will there be in the Kingdom?

24.8 Q What will conditions be like for the mortal inhabitants?

24.9 Q Can you give me a reference to prove this?

24.10 Q What will happen at the end of the Millennium?

25. MATTERS OF CONDUCT – LIVING THE TRUTH

25.1 Q After baptism is it necessary to live a life in accordance with Christ’s commands?

25.2 Q Can you give me a verse to prove this?

25.3 Q What do you understand by “separation” from the world?

25.4 Q Can you give a reference to prove the necessity for such separation?

25,5 Q Is it permissible for a believer to marry an unbeliever?

25.6 Q Is it permissible for a believer, under the law of Christ, to take more than one wife?

25.7 Q Is it permissible for a believer to have sexual relations outside marriage?

25.8 Q Is it permissible for a believer to divorce his/her partner?

25.9 Q Can you remember a passage to prove this?

25.10 Q What did Christ say about re-marriage after divorce?

25.11 Q What are the duties of husbands and wives?

25.12 Q What are the duties of parents and their children?

25.13 Q What should a servant of Christ do if he is badly treated?

25.14 Q Is it permissible for a believer to serve in the armed forces?

25.15 Q Can a believer serve in the Police Force?

25.16 Q Should a believer take an active part in a Trade Union?

25.17 Q Is it permissible for a believer to due at law?

25.18 Q Can a believer take an oath?

25.19 Q Can a believer vote or take any part in politics?

25.20 Q What is the duty of a believer towards “the powers that be” where their requirements

do not contravene the commands of Christ?

25.21 Q What is the duty of employees to their employer?

25.22 Q What is the duty of employers to their employees?

25.23 Q What should be our attitude to the pleasures of the world?

25.24 Q Is it our duty to preach the Gospel to others?

25.25 Q How often should the believer carry out Christ’s command to “break bread and drink

wine” in memory of him?

25.26 Q How often should we meet with others of like precious faith?

25.27 Q Is it our duty to do all we can to help others?

25.28 Q Is it necessary to read the Bible daily?

25.29 Q Is it necessary to pray regularly?

25.30 Q Is it necessary for us to withdraw our fellowship from any who depart from the faith in

doctrine or practice?

CCM Baptism Certificate:

CONFESSION OF FAITH

The following is a summary of what I confessed and believe from my study of the Bible:

There is one God- not a trinity

Jesus Christ is the Son of God but not God Himself, and He did not physically exist before His birth

Jesus Christ had our human nature and temptations and was tempted just as we are, but He never sinned

I therefore and hereby take Him to me as my example, Lord and Saviour.

I understand that He is my representative. By going under the water I share in His death, and die to sin, and by coming up out of the water of baptism, I unite myself with His resurrection and am committed to trying to live a life like His.

I recognize that my real problem is my own temptations and sin, and I undertake to fight against them, always asking myself ‘What would Jesus do?’. I realize that the devil or satan refers to this ‘adversary’ to my salvation- not to a literal dragon or monster.

I believe that when I die, I will remain unconscious in the grave, until the Lord Jesus returns to resurrect me and judge me. I do not have an ‘immortal soul’. By His grace I look forward to being accepted in that day into His Kingdom which I believe will be literally established here on earth.

I believe in the Holy Spirit as the power of God, not as a literal person.

I realize that death is the wages for sin, although ‘hell’ means only the grave and not a place of torture or literal fire.

I believe salvation is by grace and not by works. God’s plan of salvation for me is revealed in the Bible, which is infallibly inspired by God and which I am committed to continuing studying daily.

I realize that there are many false doctrines circulating in the world under the name of Christianity and I will seek to keep separate from these and to meet with other true believers for fellowship and the breaking of bread.

I understand that I must seek to live a life in conformity to God’s expressed will in His word. I recognize that marriage should be treated as a permanent bond in which God seeks to join two people together as one flesh for life, and I will not break apart what God has joined together, neither in my life nor in that of others. I realize that sex outside of marriage and homosexuality are wrong.

I give my life now to the Lord Jesus Christ, to learning of Him and following Him, always from now on asking myself ‘What would Jesus do?’ in all situations and feelings I am confronted with in life.